Three former refinery managing directors are suing for N50 billion, claiming defamation over a report linking them to a $3 billion fraud. As Nigeria battles fuel woes, this case exposes deeper cracks in trust and leadership in the oil sector
- Ex-MDs of Warri, Kaduna, and Port Harcourt refineries deny any role in $3bn fraud claims.
- Their legal team demands a retraction, apology, and N50bn in damages for reputational harm.
- Only one of the three was ever contacted for questioning, and was never arrested or charged.
“The story tarnished their names in public without evidence,” said counsel Reuben Atabo, SAN. “It caused them shame, ridicule, and serious professional loss.” Nigerians, meanwhile, remain stuck with non-functional refineries and high fuel costs.
Can Nigeria rebuild public trust in its energy leaders when headlines and courtrooms blur the lines of fact and accountability? What does justice look like when the people bear the real cost?
